The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

*** October / November Lite Mapping Challenge: Draw a linear map ***

Thanks to the slackness of a community leader who shall remain nameless (a.k.a. me) we are late on this month's challenge. So here it is:

This month's lite challenge is:

Draw a Linear Map. Your map can be of any genre or any scale.

'What is a linear map?' I hear some of you ask. Have a look here for an explanation. Entries will be closed on or about the 15th of November with voting to follow. Good luck everyone! As always it will be up to the voters to decide whether your map fits the spirit of the competition when casting their votes. As with last month, voters will be allowed to vote for any number of entries they wish.

I'm thinking of doing something historic like the Oregon Trail or a trip of the Voyageurs. My question is does it have to be a single path or can things branch into the main path or having several individual paths on the map...

For those who want to see a historical example of a linear map, look up John Ogilby's road atlas of Britain from 1675. It's really interesting and is how I intend to do the "in character" road maps for my own world.

For those who want to see a historical example of a linear map, look up John Ogilby's road atlas of Britain from 1675. It's really interesting and is how I intend to do the "in character" road maps for my own world.

It reminds me of the old American Automobile Association 'TripTic' maps where page after page of just the route of your trip would flip over the ring binder at the top of the page.
Very clever stuff ... REP to John Ogilby.

Hmm, a conversation I had with a co-worker yesterday is making me think this could be done automatically inside GeoServer by taking a "pattern along path" transformation (What we were talking about) and inverting it.